NAS JAX Air Show

We took a little weekend getaway to Jacksonville for the Air Show last week.  I was a great weekend with something for everyone to do.  We had great meals every night at some of our favorite restaurants and I got started my Christmas shopping. The main reason was to foster Ben's love for airplanes and flying. And let me just say, the boy has thousands of questions in his head that Larry and I don't have the answer for.  We told him this is your chance, do not come home from JAX until you have asked every question of every pilot you see, he did. 

We had an amazing time hanging out with the family and spending time with our friends the Kountanis's.  My guys ended up going both days to the Air Show.  With Grace and I joining them on Saturday.  What stands out the most for me is how proud I was of our military and the talent and skill of the pilots.  My other big memory was Gracie's ability to nap for an hour and a half with  jets roaring past.  People were walking by and laughing. 

  

Josh wanted an autograph so bad, he wouldn't let his pen and paper out of his sight.  This was the night before at dinner!  At the end of the show, they met the Blue Angel Commander, it made their day!  The boys loved every minute and are ready to go back next year. 

Birthday Girl

Three years ago we received this beautiful gift from God.  She is bright, speaks her mind and a joy to be around.  When she laughs, you can't help but smile.  Thank you Gracie for being our sunshine.
Happy 3rd birthday sweet baby girl!  Love, Momma & Papa.

Grace's Day

Just wanted to share with you four hours of Grace's day. She helped unload and stack pumpkins at church for the pumpkin patch. Then, a few hours later, decided she needed a little bit of mascara.  That's my girl.

All I want for Christmas...

is my TWO FRONT TEETH!

Can you tell me how to get....

How to get to Sesame Street. Elmo was in town so Grace and I caught the show. So much fun watching her face. I had explained it that Elmo was having a dance party. I don't think she was expecting something so "big".

Birthday Boy

When we first moved into our house, Josh was just 15 months old. He was just a little guy with big blue eyes. And now... my baby is 6! Where has the time gone?

To celebrate his milestone, Josh chose to spend the day at the Lego store and lunch at the T-Rex cafe. It was such a fun family day. Happy Birthday Joshie Bear!

Go Gators

Larry and I spent a very hot afternoon in the swamp with Ben and a friend of his from school. This was Ben's first football game and the boys had a great time and loved the atmosphere. As a mom, I just want to say how cute they looked in their Teabow and Harvin jerseys. After five minutes, they knew all the cheers, chomps and were high-fiving the guys in the next row. We had a nice man behind us who stood up during halftime so the boys would be in the shade, gator fans a so nice. The four of us had a blast and would love to go to another game soon (hint hint mom and dad). Walking back to our car, this is what we saw from the sidewalk. They looked like the best of friends.

Proud Mama

Please allow me to brag for a bit. I couldn't help but cry when Josh's teacher told me the good news. He has some big shoes to fill with his big brother so my joy was that of a proud mama at his accomplishment. Both my boys student of the month, the first month of school. Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Back to school

It was a great feeling to get back into a routine again. The kids even missed it just a little. Josh had a big week with being a kindergartner (yeah). He has been practicing walking around with his lunch box and backpack for the last three weeks so I am glad for him that he was finally able to put it to use. His beautiful face was beaming bright, I managed to hold back my tears until the car ride home. Oh sweet boy, I am so happy for you but miss you so.
Ben is in third grade this year and will be taking on a lot more responsibility with his school work. The night before school when we were giving Josh his pep / advice talk, Ben seemed disappointed we did not have any advice for him. We smiled and told him to do exactly what he has done for the last three years.
As for Grace and myself, we are enjoying the peace and quiet. Not to mention shopping and errands just the two of us.

CUBBBIES!!!!!

Here is the candy bar wrapper that we did for the kids teachers. It was a free download from shabbyblogs and oh so cute. The chocolate was a huge hit.

Beautiful Day

Crank up your volume because this is the song I had in my head all day. Cyndi and I took the kids to the beach for the day and WOW, it was the perfect day. Of course it greatly helped that the beach was deserted. It was awesome to have all of this beauty to ourselves. The kids had so much fun. Ben tried out his new skim board, Grace did everything and Josh stuck to digging.

Rest and Relaxation

This July the whole family (including my brother's family and my parents) spent four fun filled days down in Palm Beach at the Breakers. My children came home quite spoiled between room service, cabanas and a television in the bathroom. It is so hard to compete with that but, for once I didn't have to tell the kids twice to shower. They would just stand in the bathroom mesmerised. Grace became a little panicked when we put the tiniest squirt of body wash in the Jacuzzi tub. The bubbles were up to her chin and still rising. I think she realized she was about to be consumed.

Grandpa made sure the kids were well equipped for the their annual beach dig. They dug trenches and forts, this is not a small undertaking. My little Gracie just loves the beach and loves the waves, she is my fishy. You would not believe what a great swimmer she is for two years old. Josh had some issues with the ocean. He is keenly aware that there are "things" in there. So, in the meantime, he has built lots of sandcastles this summer, swimming in the ocean, not so much.

A day in the life

It's hot, school is out, just wanted to share a typical day. Josh and Grace watching Sponge Bob in their most favorite, super fancy chairs. Benjamin at the controls of his flight simulator. He has flown all over the country on that thing! This is what I hear, Him: "Mom, guess what... I just flew into Sitka, Alaska! Me: That's great Ben, what would you like for breakfast. He is an early riser even in the summer. Have a great summer!